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George Brown College's Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services) is a four-year business degree program that was developed with employers to create graduates who can thrive in today's financial services industry. After the first year of studies, students can choose from either the Accounting or Financial Planning specialization.

Overview

Program name
Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services)
Code
B302
School
School of Accounting and Finance
Location
St. James Campus
Experiential learning
Work Experience Required
Duration
4 years (8 semesters in-class plus 1 Co-op Work Term)
Starting month
September, January
Credential
Honours Bachelor's Degree
Method of study
FT

Year of Study

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Program PDFs

Program PDF School of Accounting and Finance Programs PDF

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Program Availability

Domestic students
Sept. 2019 Open
Jan. 2020 Open
May 2020 N/A
International students
Sept. 2019 Open
Jan. 2020 Open
May 2020 N/A

Full Description

The Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services) is a four-year business degree that was developed with employers to create graduates who can thrive in today's financial services industry. After the first year of studies, students can choose from either the Accounting or Financial Planning specialization.

Whether you are seeking a career as a professional accountant or a financial planner, this program provides the skills, knowledge and real-world experience to help you succeed.

The program includes:

  • Work integrated learning experiences that amount to no less than 14 weeks of full-time equivalent work (420 hours), either in one block or in multiple cumulative blocks appropriate to achieving the program learning outcomes
  • Accounting, banking management, administration and financial planning theory, as well as the practice of applying concepts in the real word
  • A state-of-the-art facility that includes network-ready wireless classrooms and study areas
  • Curriculum that is current and has been developed with input from our industry partners, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario and the Financial Planners Standards Council

This Centre for Business program is part of our School of Accounting and Finance.

Experiential Learning

Work Experience Required

Your Field Study options

Work experience is required as part of this program.

Work Experience

The Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services) degree includes Co-op experience(s) that amounts to no less than 14 weeks of full-time equivalent work (420 hours), either in one block or in multiple cumulative blocks appropriate to achieving the learning outcomes.

The Co-op experience usually occurs between your sixth and seventh semesters if taken in one block and all 420 hours must be completed before seventh semester. This work experience provides you with the practical experience employers value. Organizations in the following categories are engaged as field education partners for the Financial Services degree:

  • financial institutions
  • accounting and accounting-related organizations
  • small businesses
  • not-for-profit organizations
  • government offices
  • major corporations

George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue self-directed industry work experience opportunities they believe would provide the learning experiences they value and meet the learning outcomes of the program. This valuable work experience can, in turn, be added to your resume.

In addition to on-the-job work experience, George Brown College endeavours to provide field education opportunities with real-world challenges and clients. Find out more about field education at the Centre for Business.

Program Standards and Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Communicate information and concepts clearly and concisely using the most appropriate methods for the message, its purpose and its audience.
  2. Work effectively in teams to achieve desired goals and outcomes by managing projects, resolving conflicts, addressing differing points of view and demonstrating self-awareness, self-confidence and self-management.
  3. Solve business problems by interpreting data from primary and secondary sources in qualitative and quantitative analyses.
  4. Evaluate risk, economics, environmental, ethical, legal, political, sociological and technical factors to support strategic decisions.
  5. Formulate and communicate sound arguments using critical evaluation of research, personal and societal contexts.
  6. Develop solutions to financial problems using relevant business and statistical models.
  7. Assess the overall financial performance of an individual or organization and prepare appropriate financial reports.
  8. Adhere to appropriate professional, legal and ethical codes of conduct and comply with government and industry regulations.
  9. Use appropriate business software to manage data, analyze financial information, and create business reports.
  10. Demonstrate awareness of uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge and how these might influence analysis and decisions.
  11. Gather and evaluate data, formulate arguments and solve problems using appropriate methods of research and enquiry.

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Required Courses

The following is a guide for the courses in the B302 and B322 programs Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree for Semester 1 to 8. All courses in the first year are common to all majors. You will choose your major (Personal Financial Planning or Accounting) after you successfully complete your first year.

Students must successfully complete 41 courses and 1 Integrated Work Experience in order to complete their degree. This includes 33 Mandatory courses and 8 Liberal Arts courses of your choice from the Arts and Humanities, Social Science, or Science & Technology.

Printable Curriculum Planner 2019-2020pdf file

Common Degree Courses

SEMESTER 1

CodeCourse NamePre-requisite
BCOM 1001Applied Business CommunicationNONE
BBUS 1001Canadian Business FundamentalsNONE
BMTH 1003Financial MathematicsNONE
BBUS 1006Microeconomics: Canada in the Global EnvironmentNONE
Select One Liberal Studies Elective

SEMESTER 2

CodeCourse NamePre-requisite
BFPL 1001Personal Financial Planning PrinciplesNONE
BACC 1002Introduction to Financial AccountingNONE
BBUS 1106Organizational BehaviourNONE
BBUS 1007Macroeconomics: Canada in the Global EnvironmentNONE
Select One Liberal Studies Elective

At the end of year one, students select their major. You can access the Curriculum Planner and course outline for each major online.

FINANCIAL PLANNING MAJOR (B302)

Year 2

SEMESTER 3

CodeCourse NamePre-requisite
BMTH 1002Statistical MethodsBMTH 1003
BFPL 2102Investments INONE
BFSM 1101Canadian Financial SystemsBBUS 1001
BFSM 2103Financial Services MarketingBBUS 1001
BCOP 1000Work Experience Prep. CourseBCOM 1001
Liberal Studies Elective

SEMESTER 4

CodeCourse NamePre-requisite
BMTH 2001Quantitative MethodsBMTH 1002
BFPL 2103Investments IIBFPL 2102
BFPL 3001Retirement PlanningBFPL 1001
BACC 3004Corporate Finance IBACC 1002
Liberal Studies Elective

Year 3

SEMESTER 5

CodeCourse NamePre-requisite
BACC 3002Income Taxation IBACC 1002
BLAW 2004Family LawBACC 1002
BFSM 2001Estate PlanningBFPL 1001
BFPL 3005International FinanceBFPL 2103 & BBUS1007
Liberal Studies Elective

SEMESTER 6

CodeCourse NamePre-requisite
BFPL 3003Personal Risk ManagementBACC 3002
BACC 3104Corporate Finance IIBACC 3004
BACC 2104Income Tax StrategiesBACC 3002
BFPL 3006Intermediate Financial PlanningBFPL 3001, BACC 3002, BFSM 2001, BFPL 2102
Liberal Studies Elective

Integrated Work Experience (14 weeks) or equivalent

Year 4

SEMESTER 7

CodeCourse NamePre-requisite
BBUS 3103Corporate Governance and ComplianceNONE
BFPL 3002Investment ManagementBFPL 2102 & BFPL 2103
BFSM 2104Selling Financial ServicesBFSM 2103
BFSM 4002Management Decision MakingBBUS 1106
Liberal Studies Elective

SEMESTER 8

CodeCourse NamePre-requisite
BFPL 4101Advanced Personal Financial PlanningBFPL 3006
BFPL 4002Portfolio ManagementBFPL 3002
BFSM 4101Human Resources ManagementBBUS 1106
BFPL 4109Small Business ManagementBLAW 2004
Liberal Studies Elective

ACCOUNTING MAJOR (B322)

Year 2

SEMESTER 3

CodeCourse NamePre-requisite
BACC 2001Intermediate Accounting IBACC 1002
BACC 2003Managerial Accounting IBACC 1002
BMTH 1002Statistical MethodsBMTH 1003
BLAW 2005Canadian Business LawNone
BCOP 1000Work Experience Prep. CourseBCOM 1001
Liberal Studies Elective

SEMESTER 4

CodeCourse NamePre-requisite
BACC 2101Intermediate Accounting IIBACC 2001
BACC 2103Managerial Accounting IIBACC 2003
BMTH 2001Quantitative MethodsBMTH 1002
BACC 3004Corporate Finance IBACC 1002
Liberal Studies Elective

Year 3

SEMESTER 5

CodeCourse NamePre-requisite
BACC 3002Income Taxation IBACC 1002
BCMP 2007Business Management Information SystemsBACC 1002
BACC 3003Advanced Managerial AccountingBACC 2103
BACC 3105Intermediate Accounting IIIBACC 2101
Liberal Studies Elective

SEMESTER 6

CodeCourse NamePre-requisite
BACC 4002Income Taxation IIBACC 3002
BACC 3104Corporate Finance IIBACC 3004
BACC 3001Audit and AssuranceBACC 2101
BFSM 4101Human Resources ManagementBBUS 1106
Liberal Studies Elective

Integrated Work Experience (14 weeks) or equivalent.

Year 4

SEMESTER 7

CodeCourse NamePre-requisite
BACC 3102Advanced Accounting IBACC 3105
BBUS 1002Marketing ManagementNONE
BACC 4005Advanced AuditingBACC 3001
BBUS 3103Corporate Governance and ComplianceNONE
Liberal Studies Elective

SEMESTER 8

CodeCourse NamePre-requisite
BBUS 4001Operations ManagementBMTH 2001
BBUS 4102Strategic Management BCOP 1101
BFSM 4002Management Decision MakingBBUS 1106
BACC 3112Advanced Accounting IIBACC 3102
Liberal Studies Elective

Learn More

Detailed course outlines
General electives

Your Career

Graduates of the Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services) degree are prepared for careers in a wide range of business sectors and organizations including banks, other financial institutions, federal, provincial and municipal government offices, and service organizations.

Graduates of the program have found employment as:

  • Analyst, International Tax
  • Supervisor, Accounts Payable
  • Senior Accounting Clerk
  • Client Portfolio Analyst
  • Senior Financial Analyst
  • Financial Officer
  • Assistant Portfolio Manager

Future Study Options

Designations

Graduates of this program may wish to pursue other designations or credentials in accounting. For information on the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, please visit cpaontario.ca.

Graduates of this program may also wish to pursue other designations or credentials in financial planning. The Financial Planning Examination Level 1 is a required step toward obtaining a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation. More information on the CFP® designation and its requirements may be obtained at the Financial Planning Standards Council website at fpsc.ca.

Information on the Canadian Securities Course and licensing requirements can be found at the Canadian Securities Institute website at csi.ca/student/en_ca/home.xhtml.

Note: The requirements for each designation/certification are set by the granting body, not George Brown College. In order to qualify for any of these designations/certifications, you need to follow the process listed on its website and meet all the requirements applicable to you.

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Tuition

$8,753.00 * †

Additional Cost

* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2018. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2019 and at later dates.

† This program includes 1 Work Experience semester or equivalent. The cost of the Work Experience Preparation course and the Work Experience semester is included in first year tuition.

International students: Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.

Wondering how to pay for college?

Learn about financial aid, OSAP, scholarships, bursaries, work study, and award options.

How to pay for college
Visit financial aid
Visit the osap website

Admission Requirements

Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma with six Grade 12 University (U) or University/College (M) courses including: Grade 12 (U) English and Grade 12 (U) Mathematics.
  • A grade of at least 60% in all prerequisite courses (English and Math).
  • An overall average of 65% in six Grade 12 (U) or (M) courses.
  • Recommended courses: basic computer software applications and Mathematics of Data Management (MDM4U).

OR

Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)**

  • Grade 12 (U) English and Grade 12 (U) Mathematics are required
  • Grade of 65% or higher in English and 65% or higher in Math
  • Post-secondary courses in English and Mathematics will be considered (certain courses only)

** There is no mature student testing in the required Grade 12 University (U-level) credits for degree programs. Mature applicants must have the English and Math credits required.

Mature student applicants, who require Grade 12 University (U-level) credits for their application to a George Brown degree program, may consider completing our on-campus Degree Preparation (U-level) Courses at no extra cost. Information on where and how to upgrade can be found on the English and Math upgrading pages.

Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.

English language proficiency:

  • George Brown College ESL Level 9; TOEFL 84 overall and 21 in each skill band (online); IELTS 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each skill band; MELAB 85; CAEL overall 70 (writing 60)

Proficiency in English communications is necessary for success in this program. Applicants may be required to complete English testing to demonstrate proficiency.

Please visit georgebrown.ca/englishproficiency for more details.

Course Exemptions

Some college and university credits may qualify you for exemptions. Please visit georgebrown.ca/transferguide for more information.

International (Visa) Students

Visit the International Admissions page for more information.

George Brown has been granted a consent by the Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development to offer this applied degree for a 5–year term starting February 12, 2015. In conformity with the Minister’s criteria and requirements, George Brown will submit an application for the renewal of the consent for this program 12 months prior to the expiration of the consent. George Brown will ensure that all students admitted to this program will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame. The Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development has extended the term of this consent by two years to February 12, 2022. During that time George Brown will submit an application for the renewal of the consent.

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How to Apply

Learn more about the application process for:

Domestic Students
International Students

TRANSFER GUIDE

If you are a college or university student or graduate, you may be eligible for program transfers or course-to-course transfers. We have transfer agreements with colleges and universities across Canada and internationally.

View transfer guide

SUPPORT FOR APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

With disability documentation you can receive academic accommodations. Contact us for information.

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Success Stories

Nadine Elliott

"It was a really big support network for me to have the same classmates and to get to know them really well. I found it was much more practical in the college setting, working through the problems and having the time to do that with a professor, not necessarily with a T.A. (teacher's assistant), and really get that one-on-one experience with them." Read more about Nadine and her experience at George Brown College

Nadine Elliott (Student, Bachelor of Applied Business), Senior Accountant, Grant Thornton LLP

Hussain Mirza, Student, Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services)

"George Brown College is a reputed institution for education and the professors and staff are amazing. I love George Brown because of its friendly environment and students from diverse communities. The professors are experts in their area of study, which ensures that the students understand the curriculum in the class. Studying in the Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services) degree program will act as a stepping stone to enter the accounting field in the future."

Hussain Mirza (Student, Honours Bachelor of Commerce [Financial Services])

“I was able to take the Canadian Securities Course as part of my degree. Also, the program prepared me to write the Certified Financial Planner exam right after graduation, which saved me a lot of time.

My education helped me to move up at TD very quickly, much faster than I would have without it. George Brown was the right choice for me. I would recommend the program to anyone.”

Taran Dhillon (Graduate 2007, Bachelor of Applied Business), Financial Advisor, TD Bank

“I really enjoy this program, especially the applied components, because it’s very hands-on and industry-oriented. My professors are the best ones you could ask for. Their solid industry background and experience bring additional value to the lectures, and they always engage us with the material. The support from professors and classmates adds to a friendly learning experience, and to achieving my short-term goal of becoming an applied business degree graduate.”

John Anastasakis (Graduate 2008, Bachelor of Applied Business – Financial Services)

“The degree program at George Brown College has provided me with the skills and knowledge that are essential to succeed in the financial services industry. The co-op term at Outland Reforestation allowed me to apply the skills and knowledge, putting me on the right track to a successful career. My work with our Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE) team has allowed me to make a meaningful difference to numerous social enterprises while developing an excellent network to ensure that when I graduate, I will hit the ground running.”

Dan MacGirr (Student, Bachelor of Applied Business), Manager, Projects, Scotiabank

Contact Us

Domestic Students Admissions

For inquiries about domestic admission requirements, admission deadlines, or the admissions process, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@georgebrown.ca or visit the Admissions web page.

International Student Admissions

For inquiries about international admission requirements, permits and visas, accommodations, or anything specific to international students, please contact the International Centre at International@georgebrown.ca or visit George Brown International.
Phone: (416) 415-5000 ext. 2115

Financials/Fees

For inquiries about OSAP, Bursaries, Scholarships and other financial inquiries, please contact the Financial Aid Office at FinAid@georgebrown.ca or visit the Financial Aid web page.

Entry Advising

For advice on the various program options and which program might be best suited for you, make an appointment to see an Entry Advisor. Please review these frequently asked questions or choose to book your appointment using the link provided.

  1. Book online:
    Complete and submit the Client Intake Form
  2. Book by phone:
    Entry Advisor: (416) 415-5000, Ext 2949
    Toll Free: 1-800-265-2002
    TTY: 1-877-515-5559

Centre for Business

For questions regarding programs at the Centre for Business or if you require more information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our knowledgeable staff are available to assist you.

For general inquiries, please contact the Centre for Business:
Email: business@georgebrown.ca
Phone: (416) 415-5000 ext. 2160

Information Sessions

For program specific information and to meet faculty, sign up to attend an information session

Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services) (B302)

For inquiries related to this program (for example, course-specific information) please contact the Co-ordinator:

Niraj Sinha, Program Co-ordinator

Email: Niraj.Sinha@georgebrown.ca

or

Mohammad Khan, Program Co-ordinator

Email: mohammad.khan@georgebrown.ca

Elizabeth Speers, Director, Centre for Business, School of Accounting and Finance

Email: espeers@georgebrown.ca

Visit Our Campus

This program is offered out of our School of Accounting and Finance and classes take place at our St. James Campus, predominantly at 200 King St. E., and 290 Adelaide St. E., Toronto, ON, Canada.

On-campus information sessions are held on a regular basis. Come and have your questions answered. Learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff, and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown College classroom. Sign up for an upcoming session.

Campus tours are offered on a regular basis. Sign up today! You can also check out our virtual tour.

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